Touchless Handshake via Ultrasonic Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional greetings like handshakes pose a risk of transmitting contagious diseases like Covid-19 due to close contact, and existing alternatives like fist bumps or elbow taps still require proximity within 6 feet.
Innovation Solution
A touchless handshake system using mobile devices that simulates a handshake through vibrations or waving motions, allowing users to connect without physical contact, utilizing features like accelerometers, ultrasonic signals, and social networking to locate and exchange information with other users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional handshakes are used for greetings, then social interaction and connection are improved, but the risk of disease transmission increases due to close contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the handshake gesture through mobile device vibrations. Instead of direct physical contact, users experience a simulated handshake via haptic feedback patterns that replicate the sensation of a traditional handshake without actual physical proximity, thus eliminating disease transmission risk while preserving social connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical contact system with an electromagnetic and haptic feedback system. Mobile devices use accelerometers, ultrasonic signals, and vibration motors to transmit greeting information wirelessly, substituting the mechanical handshake with a non-contact electromagnetic communication and haptic feedback mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative greetings like fist bumps or elbow taps are used, then disease transmission risk is reduced, but proximity requirements still exist within 6 feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediary carriers that transmit greeting information wirelessly. The devices act as mediators between users, using ultrasonic signals and haptic feedback to convey the handshake gesture without requiring users to be within 6 feet of each other, thus eliminating proximity requirements while maintaining social connection
3Object-affected harmful factors
If touchless handshake technology is implemented, then social distancing is achieved, but device complexity increases with multiple sensors and signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing mobile device components multi-functional. Accelerometers, microphones, and vibration motors are used for multiple purposes: detecting handshake gestures, capturing audio, providing haptic feedback, and communicating wirelessly. This universal usage of existing components achieves social distancing capability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to perform a socially distant greeting, reducing the risk of disease transmission while allowing for the exchange of contact information and customization of greetings, including group handshakes and various designs, all within a user-friendly app.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing features like accelerometers
Implementation Method 2
utilizing features like accelerometers, ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 3
the device of the receiving user performs an action to simulate a handshake such as vibrating
Data Source
AI summary
To prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other contagious diseases, a touchless handshake is able to be implemented using mobile devices. The touchless handshake is able to be performed by sending an ultrasonic signal from one device to another (or to multiple devices) which triggers the device to vibrate to simulate a handshake. Additionally, mobile devices are able to be used to send and/or display a wave.